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Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack

Field trip: Backpacking Building Blocks (B3) Course

Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - White Pass, Blue Lake & Pilot Ridge Loop

This strenuous 29 mile loop, 8 miles of it on the Pacific Crest Trail, with 5,300 feet of elevation gain includes broad flower fields and ridges with panoramic views of Glacier Peak and surrounding peaks. Camp by picturesque high lakes, and walk old-growth forest. This is a culminating trip for B3 students to apply their backpacking skills on a four day, three night trip.

Contacts

Sarah Hess
Sarah Hess
Primary Leader
  • Very Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 29.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 7,500 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 6,360 ft
  • Pace: 2 mph

Meet at the North Fork Sauk trailhead off the Mountain Loop Highway Thursday morning.  We'll start hiking at 9:00am.

A four day, three night clock-wise loop southwest of Glacier Peak.  Day one to White Pass, day 2 exploring the White Pass area, day 3 south along the Pacific Crest Trail to Blue Lakes, day four along Pilot Ridge and return to the trailhead; www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/white-pass-pilot-ridge-loop    This is a strenuous trip that requires good fitness, solid backpacking skills, thoughtful packing, and  a positive and team oriented attitude.

Early priority registration will be given to students in Sarah's mentor group from June 26 through July 2 at 8pm.  Then any well qualified B3 student can email Sarah at hess@whidbey.com for leader permission to sign up; provide backpacking trips/leaders you've completed this season.  Permission requests are not accepted before July 2.

More trip information will be available as trip details are finalized.

Route/Place

White Pass, Blue Lake & Pilot Ridge Loop


  • Green Trails Glacier Peak No. 112
    Green Trails Benchmark Mtn No. 144
    Green Trails Sloan Peak No. 111
    Green Trails Monte Cristo No. 143
    Green Trails Mountain Loop Highway No. 111SX
    Trails Illustrated North Cascades National Park
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials, plus overnight gear as specified by the trip leader

Trip Reports